When is TMS contraindicated?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a generally well tolerated treatment with few relative side effects. However, the treatment is not right for everyone. Because the treatment produces a non-ionizing magnetic field, special precautions must be used with metallic objects that are permanently implanted or placed near the head. Individuals with metal implants in the head, shunts, implanted simulators, or defibrillators may not be eligible for treatment. Also, individuals with an active seizure disorder or history of seizures would need to be considered on a case by case basis by the medical director.  
Generally, TMS is well tolerated by most patients, and persons above the age of 18 suffering from a Major Depressive Disorder who have failed traditional treatments of medication and therapy are eligible for insurance coverage of the treatment.

TMS? Chicken Bones and Crystals!

Several years ago I was presented with a client suffering from depression who was considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I was unaware of this treatment at the time and my first response was, “Yeah, magnets … chicken bones and crystals too!” I am personally a very empirical model clinician and am skeptical of new approaches until I have reviewed enough peer reviewed research. Boy, was I wrong about TMS. The research is more than convincing, with over one hundred peer reviewed journal articles and a recommended protocol from the American Psychiatric Association.

I proceeded to refer six of my most depressed patients and was amazed when four achieved complete remission of their symptoms. One other got significant improvement and the last, well … I saw some minor improvements but she did not acknowledge such. You may think that this is not a list of all success stories, but these were the patients that I had worked with for years to no avail.

Ultimately, I fell in love with this new procedure and started NeuroMed TMS Centers, LLC with the mission to make this available to all of my patients and yours.

I would like to challenge you to the same test method outlined above. Go and read the research and refer a few of your most chronically depressed patients. You will believe in magnets as well!

B. Charles Ihrig, Ph.D
CEO of NeuroMed TMS Centers